For 25 years, we have been the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture. That described our clinical services, but it was very lengthy. I wanted a name that was short and snappy. Our new name shows our double aspiration: to free people as much as possible from the effects of the torture they have suffered, and to see a world free from torture.

How did you get involved?

I have a background as a barrister and an MP. I have been a director of the charity Prisoners Abroad and for the past 16 years I ran the Immigration Advisory Service. This job came up last year. I wanted to continue to use my experience in a field I find fascinating. I could never see myself running an organisation that could be termed cuddly or popular – that wouldn't get me out of bed in the morning.

What do you like best about the job?

The direct correlation between what you do as a chief executive and rebuilding the lives of very damaged, vulnerable people, to help them use their suppressed talent. It brings home to you a sense for a need of humility - and a residual sense of anger.

What has been the biggest challenge?

This was an organisation with extraordinarily committed, highly intelligent people that had become rather introverted. I want us to do more research and be known as the fount of knowledge about dealing with victims of torture. But the real challenge is why should we only reach those who manage to get to the UK? It would be better if we could get to those who can't get to us.